Methods and apparatus for providing media from content providers using a network interface device

ABSTRACT

A network bridge connects a host device, such as digital media player, cell phone or camera, to content sources over a network to permit the host device to transmit or receive digital media. The network bridge includes a network interface module that identifies at least one media source as well as digital media available on the network. A host device interface module receives, from the host device, file system requests in accordance with a protocol, such as a mass storage protocol. In response to the request, a host device protocol interface module on the network bridge translates the file system request to a request for digital media. The network interface module acquires digital media from the media source, and the host device interface module transfers the digital media to the host device in accordance with the interface protocol. The network bridge may connect to one or more services that provide content to the host device. For example, the services may be accessible over the Internet. In other embodiments, the network bridge implements protocols to add functionality to the host device.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/444,564, filed Jun. 1, 2006, entitled“Methods And Apparatus For Transferring Media Across A Network Using ANetwork Interface Device.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed toward the field of networkingconsumer electronic devices, and more particularly directed toward anetwork interface device for transferring media across a network.

2. Art Background

The widespread use of computers, digital cameras, digital music andvideo players, and the Internet has resulted in the creation and use ofdigital media. Digital media has also largely replaced more traditionalanalog audio and video formats with the introduction and popularacceptance of audio compact discs (CDs) and digital video discs (DVDs).In general, digital media consists of various formats of data thatstores audio, video, and images in binary formats. These binary filesare typically stored on a medium accessible to computer devices, such asCD-ROMs, hard drives, floppy disks and memory sticks.

The storage of digital media on commonly used computer medium allows foreasy generation and transfer of digital media. For example, it hasbecome popular to generate digital photos using a digital camera andthen to transfer the digital photos onto computers. Computer softwarepermits the user to manipulate the digital photos. The user may thentransfer the digital photos to friends using e-mail, or post the digitalphotos on a web site accessible on the World Wide Web. These types ofapplications, which take advantage of connectivity among differentdevices, have also contributed to the widespread popularity of digitalmedia.

Portable media rendering devices have also become very popular alongwith the widespread popularity of digital media. These portable mediadevices, when first introduced, were capable of playing digital audio.Today, some portable media devices also play video. Technologicaladvances in mass storage allow these portable media devices to storerelatively large amounts of digital media. However, a user must copy thedigital media onto the storage device of the portable media player.Although the use of computers, and their connection to networks, mayfacilitate the transfer of the media onto the portable devices, it isdesirable to develop devices and techniques to transfer media betweenportable media devices and other devices to increase the functionalityof portable devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A media system includes a media service to provide at least one mediaitem to a portable network bridge. The portable network bridge receivesa file system request from a host device in accordance with a massstorage protocol. The portable network bridge translates the file systemrequest to a media request for at least one media item, and transfersthe media request to the media service. The media service generates aresponse to the media request for the portable network bridge for mediaitems available from one or more content providers.

In on embodiment, the file system request includes a request to view alist of media items available from the media service. The portablenetwork bridge generates a content directory that organizes the mediaavailable from the media service, and presents the content directory tothe host device in accordance with the mass storage protocol. In oneembodiment, the content directory contains an aggregated list of mediaavailable from a plurality of content providers. The content directoryview may be customized for individual users.

In another embodiment, the file system request includes a request totransfer media from at least one content provider to the portablenetwork bridge. For this embodiment, the media service receives the filesystem request, and establishes a connection between the contentprovider and the portable network bridge. After receiving the media, theportable network bridge transfers the media to the host device.

In another embodiment, a portable network bridge couples a host devicedirectly to one or more content providers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a host deviceand a network bridge.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment for integrating a media device withother media devices in a networked environment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment for implementing amass storage protocol in a network bridge.

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment for using a cell phone in conjunctionwith a network bridge.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment for a portablemedia player and a network bridge.

FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment for interfacing a digital camera tothe network bridge of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment for interfacing a printer to thenetwork bridge of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example content directory.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating one example of a contentdirectory hierarchy.

FIGS. 10 a and 10 b are flowcharts illustrating one embodiment for usinga network bridge to transfer media to a media device.

FIG. 11 illustrates one embodiment for downloading digital media over ahome network using a network bridge.

FIG. 12 illustrates one embodiment for downloading content over theInternet to a portable media player using a network bridge.

FIG. 13 illustrates one embodiment for uploading media using the networkbridge.

FIG. 14 illustrates one embodiment for writing data to a destinationdevice using a network bridge.

FIG. 15 illustrates one embodiment for printing using the network bridgeof the present invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates one embodiment for a network bridge configured tooperate with a media service.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A device to interface a media device to a network, herein referred to asa network bridge, provides a means for a device to upload and downloaddigital media from one or more networks. FIG. 1 is a block diagramillustrating one embodiment of a host device and a network bridge. Ingeneral, network bridge 115 provides a host device 105 access to awireless network. As shown by the bi-directional arrows in FIG. 1, hostdevice 105 may consume media (perform read operations of digital mediafrom network bridge) and/or may source media or data (perform writeoperations to network bridge).

In general, the network bridge 115 connects host device 105 to awireless network. As such, the network bridge 115 contains modules tointerface host device 105 to a wireless network. Specifically, for thisembodiment, network bridge 115 includes Internet protocol (IP) layer 150and wireless network interface 160. In general, IP layer 150 formats andpackets data for transport via the TCP/IP protocol, and wireless networkmodule 160 provides a physical layer implementation to modulate data fortransmission on a wireless network. The wireless network may compriseany type of wireless network, including a WiFi wireless networkconfigured in accordance with IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g,IEEE 802.11(n) (proposed) or Bluetooth.

In one embodiment, host device 105 includes processing resources, suchas a central processing unit (CPU) 110. The host device 105 may compriseany type of device generally used to playback, store or transmit media.Examples of host devices are described more fully below.

In general, network bridge 115 includes a means to communicate to hostdevice 105. To perform this task, network bridge 115 contains hostdevice interface 120 and host device protocol (130). The host deviceinterface 120 implements a physical layer interface to transferelectrical signals between the host device 110 and the network bridge115. For example, the host device interface may comprise a wireless orinfrared interface or a hard wired interface, such as the universalserial bus (USB) interface or SDIO. Host device interface 120 maysupport any standard physical layer interface, and in fact, host deviceinterface 120 is intended to represent a broad category of physicallayer interfaces used to transmit data between devices.

The network bridge 115 also includes a host device protocol 130. Thehost device protocol 130 implements or emulates a logical layer protocolto support data transfer operations between host device 105 and thenetwork bridge 115. Embodiments for implementing a host device protocolare described more fully below.

In one embodiment, the network bridge of the present invention providesfunctionality to the host device. For the embodiment shown in FIG. 1,network bridge 115 includes plug-in function 140. In general, plug-infunction 140 supports additional functionality not provided by orgenerally associated with a typical network interface device (i.e., thehost interface requires host processor 110 to implement these features).As described more fully below, plug-in function 140 may generate acontent directory to identify digital media as well as locations ofmedia content available to host device 105. Plug-in function 130 may,however, include any type of function to increase the utility of thehost device 105.

The network bridge of the present invention may be used to integrate amedia device with other devices in a networked media environment. Thenetwork bridge may integrate media devices over a local area network(LAN) or integrate media devices over a wide area network (WAN), such asthe Internet. FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment for integrating a mediadevice with other media devices in a networked environment. As shown inFIG. 2, media device 210 uses network bridge 215 to integrate the mediadevice with other available media devices. For this example, a router255 is coupled to a wireless network through wireless access point 250.Network bridge 215 implements a wireless network interface throughwireless antenna 245. Home network 257 may comprise a wireless networkor may comprise a wired network. For example, home network 257 maycomprise networks implemented in accordance with standards, such asEthernet 10/100 on Category 5, HPNA, Home Plug, IEEE 802.11x, IEEE 1394,and USB 1.1/2.0.

Home network 257 connects one or more devices. For this example, homenetwork 257 integrates a printer 260, a computer 265, a television 270,a stereo 275 and a media server 280. As used herein, a media server is adevice capable of delivering media to the home network. For example, amedia server may comprise a mass storage device for storing digitalmedia. In other embodiments, a media server may comprise a device thataccesses media from other devices, including media contained ondifferent networks. The components shown on home network 257 are merelyexemplary; and the home network, as referenced herein, may integrate anynumber or type of devices, requiring data or media services, withoutdeviating of the spirit or scope of the invention.

Using the network bridge 215, media device 210 receives media from andtransmits media to devices on home network 257. For example, mediadevice 210 may retrieve digital media from media server 280 or computer265. For this example, media device 210 may playback video streamed frommedia server 280. In another example, media device 210 may copy orstream digital media to a media device on home network 257. For example,device 210 may stream digital audio through network bridge 215 forplayback at stereo 275. In another example, media device 210 may streamvideo, stored at media device 210, through network bridge 215 totelevision 270 over home network 257.

In other embodiments, media device 210 may transfer data to anotherdevice on the home network 257. In some of these embodiments, networkbridge 215 is configured to implement a protocol suitable for datacommunications between media device 215 and a source device on homenetwork 257. For example, a user may desire to print a file, stored onmedia device 210, on printer 260. For this embodiment, network bridge215 emulates a protocol to print data from media device 210 to printer260 over home network 257.

As shown in FIG. 2, home network 257 is also coupled to a wide areanetwork 290, such as the Internet, through broadband modem 285. Themodem 285 integrates the wide area network to the local network (e.g.,home network 257) through router 255. Modem 285 may utilize any type oftechnology to acquire a connection to the wide area network (e.g.,dial-up modem, cable modem, digital subscription line (DSL), satellitemodem, etc.). For these embodiments, media device 215 may retrieve andsend data, such as digital media, over the wide area network 290. Forexample, media device 215, through network bridge 215, may downloadstreaming audio/video from a content-based web site. Similarly, mediadevice 210, may upload digital media, such as digital photos, to anInternet repository through the network bridge 215. Although the system200 shown in FIG. 2 includes both a home network and a wide areanetwork, media device 210 and network bridge 215 may be configured tooperate over a wide area network only or over a home network only.

The network bridge of the present invention may be configured toimplement popular communications standards. In one embodiment, a networkbridge 315 implements a mass storage protocol standard. In general, themass storage protocol standard is used to store files in a file systemformat. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment forimplementing a mass storage protocol in a network bridge. For thisembodiment, a host device 305 implements, as either a client device or ahost device, the mass storage protocol standard using host CPU 310. Ingeneral, the mass storage protocol defines a standard for devices toread and write files to external storage devices. For this embodiment,the network bridge 315 operates, with regard to the host device 305, asa mass storage device. As such, the host device 310 reads and writesfiles to the network bridge 315 in the same manner as the host device310 reads and writes files to a standard direct attached mass storagedevice. The network bridge 315, operating as a mass storage device,translates file system requests to transmit and receive data (e.g.,digital media) over the wireless network 370.

For the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, network bridge 315 includes aphysical layer implementation. For example, the physical layerimplementation may be the Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 protocol. Forthis physical interface, a user of host device 305 plugs a USB connectoreither into the host device 305 or into the network bridge 315. Althoughthe embodiment of FIG. 3 shows a USB connection between host device 305and the network bridge, any type of connection, including a wirelessconnection, may be used without deviating from the spirit or scope ofthe invention.

The network bridge 315 includes a USB mass storage protocol module 320.The mass storage protocol module 320 implements the USB mass storageprotocol for the network bridge 315. Protocol implementations compatiblewith the USB mass storage protocol are well-known, and therefore are notdescribed in further detail. In order to associate file names withphysical locations on the media, the USB mass storage protocol utilizesa file system, such as Microsoft's file allocation table (FAT). Ingeneral, a file system identifies a physical location for storage of thefile that corresponds to a name for the file in the directory structure.Most host devices implement FAT to utilize file storage in a genericmass storage device in this manner. The network bridge of the presentinvention maps file names to storage locations in its' emulated massstorage blocks.

For the network bridge embodiment, the network bridge maps the fileallocation table to a content directory of remote items. To accomplishthis, file allocation table—content directory 330 translates file systemrequests by mapping those requests to a content directory. In oneembodiment, the network bridge 315 builds the content directoryon-the-fly. As is described more fully below, the content directory isbased on content available over the network (e.g., either local homenetwork or wide area network). As a result of this translation, the hostdevice 305 executes file system operations to the network bridge, and inresponse to those requests, returns content directories, as directoryinformation, and digital media (e.g., digital audio, video or photos) asfiles within the file system.

As shown in FIG. 3, network bridge 315 also includes network protocolmodule 340, IP layer 350, and wireless network interface 360. Thenetwork protocol 340, IP layer 350 and wireless network interface 360 orthose modules typically found in a wireless network adapter; and assuch, are intended to represent a broad category of portable wirelessnetwork adapters.

Enabling Portable Media Devices:

The device, used in conjunction with the network bridge of the presentinvention, may comprise a cellular telephone (cell phone). FIG. 4illustrates one embodiment for using a cell phone in conjunction with anetwork bridge. Today, many cell phones are configured to also operateas portable media devices. For example, many cell phones include camerasto acquire digital images and video. Some cell phones also includedigital music players to play digital music files. These cell phones mayalso have screens and output jacks to play music and display photos andvideo. Cell phone 400 may receive, through network bridge 115, digitalaudio/video and digital photos. Cell phone 400 may also transmit digitalaudio/video and digital photos to other devices on the network. Forexample, cell phone 400 may upload digital photos to a television on thenetwork or a web site.

Some cell phones operate also as personal digital assistants (PDAs).These cell phones typically include contacts, calendar and taskapplications. Typically, personal digital assistants are used inconjunction with a computer system that also maintains contacts,calendar of events, and tasks. In one embodiment, cell phone 400 mayalso be configured to synchronize data from another computer device. Forthis embodiment, network bridge 115 is configured to translate filesystem requests, compatible with a mass storage protocol, to a formatcompatible with the underlying contact calendar and task applications.

The media device, used in conjunction with the network bridge, maycomprise any type of device capable of playing and/or providing digitalmedia to the system. In one embodiment, the device comprises a portablemedia player. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment fora portable media player and a network bridge. As shown in FIG. 5,portable media player 510 is coupled to a wireless network bridge 115.Communications between the portable media player 515 and the networkbridge 115 may be bi-directional, such that the portable media playermay receives digital media as well as transmit digital media betweennetwork bridge 115 and portable media player 510. In other embodiments,communications between the portable media player 515 and the networkbridge 115 may be unidirectional, such that the PMP only receives ortransmits digital media.

In one embodiment, the portable media player 510 may comprise a portabledigital audio player. For this embodiment, the portable digital audioplayer contains non-volatile memory for storing digital music files. Thedigital music files may be formatted in any number of formats, such asMPEG Audio Layer 3 (“MP3”). In another embodiment, the portable mediaplayer 510 may comprise a portable device capable of playing videosand/or displaying photos. For this embodiment, the portable media player510 receives digital video files and digital photos over the network,through network bridge 150, and processes the digital video and digitalphoto files for display on its display. The digital video files maycomprise full-length video productions or video clips, formatted in anynumber of well-known formats for digital video, such as MPEG 4. Digitalphotos may be formatted in any number of well-known formats for digitalphotos, such as JPEG.

The portable media player 510 may also be used as a media server. Forthese embodiments, digital audio, video and photos, stored onnon-volatile memory in the portable media player 510, may be uploadedthrough network bridge 115 to the network to a destination device on thenetwork (i.e., destination device located on the home network or on thewide area network).

In other embodiments, the device used in conjunction with the networkbridge of the present invention may comprise a digital camera. FIG. 6illustrates one embodiment for interfacing a digital camera to thenetwork bridge of the present invention. For this embodiment, digitalcamera 600 sends and receives data over the network through networkbridge 115. In one embodiment, the data comprises digital photos. A usermay take several digital photos, using digital camera 600, and desire totransfer over a network the digital photos to one or more destinationdevices. The user may connect digital camera 600 to network bridge 115,through one of the wired or wireless interfaces described herein, totransmit digital photos to one or more destination devices on thenetwork (e.g., home network or wide area network). For this example, theuser may attach the network bridge 115 to digital camera 600. Thedigital camera 600 “sees” the network bridge 115 as a storage device,and sees the remote content directory generated by the network bridge.The network bridge 115 presents the devices, available over the network,as directory information to the digital camera 600. In addition, theuser may desire to upload digital photos to an Internet web site. Forthis example, the user transmits the digital photos files to adestination virtual content directory presented by the network bridge,and in turn, the network bridge uploads the digital photo files to theInternet.

In addition to uploading and downloading digital media, a device may beconfigured to receive or transmit data in accordance with a protocol.For example, network bridge 115 may be configured to support protocolsfor printing. FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment for interfacing aprinter to the network bridge of the present invention. For thisembodiment, network bridge 115 is configured to translate protocols forprinting. Specifically, network bridge 115 receives data from a deviceon the network (computer, portable media player, cell phone, camera,etc.). In turn, network bridge 115 translates the data received intodata compatible with a protocol used for the print operation.

Content Directory Mapping:

A “content directory” provides information regarding media availableover one or more networks. In some embodiments, the network bridge mapsa content directory, defined by the mass storage protocol, to a filesystem. Specifically, the network bridge maps content directories tofile system directories, and maps digital media (e.g., streaming audioor video) to files defined by the file system. FIG. 8 is a block diagramillustrating an example content. directory. A root directory—contentdirectory 810, located at the top of the hierarchical tree, representsthe base or root directory in the mass storage file system. The rootdirectory of the mass storage file system is mapped to content directory810. In one embodiment that couples the network bridge to a homenetwork, the content directory may comprise the root directory to a homenetwork configured in accordance with the Universal Plug and Play(“UPnP”) A/V standard.

For the example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the rootdirectory—content directory 810 is associated with a system wide contentmenu 815. In general, the system wide content menu 815 comprises a userinterface menu for selecting content. The user interface menu isrendered on the media device. In one embodiment, the system wide contentmenu 815 is generated on-the-fly so as to customize a user interfacemenu based on available digital media. The system wide content menu 815may be organized based on content or location of the media. For example,the system wide content menu 815 may include menu items for “music”,“video” and “photos.” These menu items may correspond to directories,located beneath the root directory. In another embodiment, the contentmenu may include menu items, listed by content provider, that maycorrespond to directories in the content directory. A content menu mayhave multiple menu types, selectable by user preference or predefined bysome other variable, such as the type of device connected.

To acquire media, a user connects the media device to the networkbridge. In response, the media device mounts the network bridge, whichappears as a mass storage device. For example, an icon, representing thenetwork bridge, may appear on the media device display. A user may then“explore” the mounted mass storage device for content. For example, theuser may click on the icon to view the root directory of the networkbridge. In response to this user action, the device generates a filesystem request to view the root directory of the mass storage device(i.e., network bridge). In response to the root directory request, thenetwork bridge transmits, as directory information, the system widecontent menu 815, and the media device renders the system wide contentmenu on the display of the media device.

For the example of FIG. 8, a number of directories, identifying contentsources, are located beneath the root directory—content directory (810).Specifically, for the example hierarchy shown in FIG. 8, directories forcontent sources include home network 830 and several content providers(e.g., content provider₁ (840), content provider₂ (850), and contentprovider_(n) (860)). Each content source is mapped to a directory of thefile system. For this configuration, a user may view the content sourcedirectories to select media available from those sources. For example,the system wide content menu may include a menu item for “music.” Auser, after selecting the menu item (i.e., directory) for music, mayreceive directory information identifying all of the content sourcesthat contain music. For example, in response to the selection of themusic directory, the user may view directory information for “homenetwork”, “content provider₁”, “content provider₂” and “contentprovider_(n).” For this example, the user may then select from the “homenetwork”, “content provider₁”, “content provider₂” and “contentprovider_(n)” directories to locate music. In another embodiment,digital media from all media servers are aggregated, and directories,which arrange the digital media, are presented to the user. For example,digital music may be arranged by the topics of “albums”, “artists” and“genres.” Digital music files, aggregated from different contentsources, may be stored together in the “albums”, “artists” and “genres”directories.

In one example scenario, a user may desire to download music to themedia device from a computer located on the home network. To accomplishthis task, the user selects the directory “home network” from directoryinformation (e.g., icons of folders) displayed in the media device. Theuser may view on the media device display a plurality of digital media,available on the computer, as files. The user then selects a file (i.e.,media item) to open, and in response, the network bridge opens aconnection with the computer, and the media item is streamed or copiedto the media device. Similarly, the user may select a content provider,such as content provider₂ 850, and view and download digital mediaassociated with that content provider.

As shown in FIG. 8, digital media is associated with each contentsource. The digital media appear as files in the file system to theuser. For example, if the user opens the home network 830 directory as afile system operation, then the network bridge returns a list of digitalmedia as files. The user may then open a media item as an open fileoperation. In response to the open file operation, the network bridgestreams the media to the device.

Although the example content directory of FIG. 8 is organized tocorrespond to a high level system wide content menu, available withinthe content sources, any arrangement of content directories and digitalmedia that maps a file system to a content directory may be used withoutdeviating of the spirit or scope of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating one example of a contentdirectory hierarchy. For this example, the root directory—contentdirectory (810, FIG. 8) comprises three menu items: music 905, photos945 and video 970. For this example, the content sources are listedunder each content menu item type. In one embodiment, the network bridgebuilds directories based on media available for the associated mediatype. For the example shown in FIG. 9, three directories are built forthe music menu item: a local directory (910), content provider,directory (915) and content provider_(n) directory (920). Each directoryincludes one or more subdirectories and/or one or more digital media.For the example shown in FIG. 9, local directory 910 includessubdirectories media servers (925) and media server₂ (930). Thesesubdirectories are organized by media servers. In another embodiment,digital media from all media servers are aggregated, and directories for“albums”, “artists” and “genres” are presented to the user. Digitalmusic files associated with the “albums”, “artists” and “genres”arrangement are organized within these directories.

The music directory 905 further includes “Artists A-M” and “Artists N-Z”(935 and 9 40) subdirectories for each content provider subdirectory(915 and 920). The “Artists A-M” and “Artists N-Z” (935 and 9 40)subdirectories are one way to organize music for the online providers.For this example, a user browses the subdirectories (935 and 940) tolocate digital music. The directory hierarchy shown in FIG. 9 is merelyexemplary, and digital media may be organized into any number ofdirectories and subdirectories without deviating from the spirit orscope of the invention.

The example of hierarchy of FIG. 9 further includes, under the photosdirectory 945, subdirectories for local 950 and photo service 962. Thelocal directory 950 provides a top level directory—menu item for photosavailable on the home network, and the photo service directory 962provides a top level directory—menu item for photos available over thewide area network. For example, a group of users may post photos on anInternet portal to allow sharing of photos among members of the group.The local directory includes two subdirectories: media server₁ 955 andmedia server₂ 960. In turn, each media server directory includes digitalphoto files stored on that media server. By way of example, the photoservice directory 962 may include subdirectories associated with membersassociated with the user's group for sharing photos over the wide areanetwork.

The video directory 970, similar to the music directory 905, has a localdirectory 975 and a directory for each content provider (985 and 990).In this example, the content providers organize new content by “TV”,“movies” and “video clips.” A user may navigate to a subdirectory todownload a video in an associated category.

Transfer of Media Using Network Bridge:

FIGS. 10 a and 10 b are flowcharts illustrating one embodiment for usinga network bridge to transfer media to a media device. Initially, a userconnects a media device to a network bridge configured in accordancewith the present invention. The network bridge establishes connectionswith one or more networks (FIG. 10 a, block 1005). For example, thenetwork bridge may establish a network connection with a local areanetwork, such as a wireless home network. The network bridge may alsoestablish a connection with a wide area network, using TCP/IP protocol,such as the Internet.

After establishing network connections, the network bridge aggregatescontent information and digital media from available media sources (FIG.10 a, block 1010). In one embodiment, the network bridge acquirescontent information from the content providers when the network bridgeestablishes a network connection. The network bridge then buildssubdirectories for the content provider based on the informationprovided. For example, if the network bridge connects with a homenetwork, the network bridge may acquire content information as well as alist of available digital media from a media server, a process known asserver aggregation. Content information may include categories forarranging the media. For example, a music portal may arrange availablecontent by “album”, “genre”, and “artist.” In other embodiments, thenetwork bridge may acquire a list of available digital media from everymedia device on the home network. This process is known as clientaggregation of media. The network bridge may also query contentproviders on the wide area network to determine media available for theuser. For example, content providers may offer content only tosubscribers. For this embodiment, the network bridge may log-on to thecontent provider's Internet portal, and provide a list of availablemedia for that subscription. In other embodiments, the network bridgemay attach to Internet web sites to permit uploading and downloading ofmedia to those Web sites. Based on available content information anddigital media, the network bridge builds a content directory (FIG. 10 a,block 1015). For example, the content directory may be a UPnP directoryfor a home network.

In general, the media device generates file system requests, inaccordance with the mass storage protocol, and receives, in response,content information for directory requests and digital media for filerequests. The network bridge receives a file system request (FIG. 10 a,block 1020). If the media device request is for directory information,then the network bridge translates the request for directory informationto a request for content directory information (FIG. 10 a, blocks 1025and 1035). In response to the request, the network bridge formats thecontent directory information as directory information in accordancewith the mass storage protocol (FIG. 10 a, block 1040). In anotherembodiment, the network bridge queries a content provider or homenetwork to acquire content information. For this embodiment, the networkbridge builds content directory information on the fly based on mediadevice requests. The media device reads the directory information (i.e.,content information), in accordance with the mass storage protocol, anddisplays the content information at the media device in the form ofdirectory information.

If the file system request is a request to read a file, then the networkbridge translates the read file request into a request to transfer amedia item associated with that file (FIG. 10 a, blocks 1030 and 1045).The read request identifies the file and its associated location in thefile system directories. The network bridge, using the necessary networkprotocols, acquires a connection to the source, and initiates a requestfor the digital media from over the network (FIG. 10 a, blocks 1045 and1047). In one embodiment, the media item is delivered as streaming media(e.g., audio or video). In other embodiments, the media item may bedownloaded and copied to the media device.

However, digital rights management schemes may dictate transfer ofdigital media by streaming instead of copying. The network bridgereceives the media item (copy or stream) per the network protocol (e.g.,TCP/IP packets), and delivers the digital media to the media device perthe connected protocol (FIG. 10 a, block 1050). For example, if the massstorage protocol specifies the transfer of file in “blocks”, then themedia is returned in blocks as requested by the underlying applicationreading the media file.

The media device may also execute write operation requests to thenetwork bridge. If the network bridge receives a request to write a filefrom the media device, the network bridge translates the write filerequest into a request to upload a media item to a device on the network(FIG. 10 b, blocks 1055 and 1060). The write request includes alocation, in the file system directory, to write the file. The writerequest may be executed to copy the media item to a destination locationor stream the media item to a destination location for playback. Thenetwork bridge translates the directory information in the write requestinto a network destination location, and acquires a network connectionto the destination location (FIG. 10 b, block 1065). The network bridgereceives the media item as a file per the connected protocol (e.g., USBmass storage) (FIG. 10 b, block 1070). Using the network protocol forthe network of the destination location, the network bridge transmits,either streaming or copying, the media item to the destination location(FIG. 10 b, block 1075).

Network Applications:

FIG. 11 illustrates one embodiment for downloading digital media over ahome network using a network bridge. For this embodiment, a media player(e.g., audio or video player) is coupled to network bridge 1115. Thenetwork bridge communicates with home network 1157 through wirelessaccess point 1130 and router 1140. As shown in FIG. 11, various mediadevices are accessible on home network 1157. For this example, computer1157, media server 1180, stereo 1175 and television 1170 are all on homenetwork 1157. The network bridge 1115 downloads digital media from anydevice on home network 1157. For example, media player 1110 may downloada digital video file from computer 1167. Similarly, media player 1110may download a digital audio file from media server 1180.

The network bridge of the present invention has applications to downloadcontent over a wide area network from content providers. FIG. 12illustrates one embodiment for downloading content over the Internet toa portable media player using a network bridge. For this embodiment,media player 1210 is coupled to network bridge 1215. In turn, networkbridge 1210 connects to the Internet 1270 via a wireless access point1230, router 1240 and wideband modem 1250. For this example, networkbridge 1215 obtains network connections to three content providers(1275, 1280 and 1285). The content providers (1275, 1280 and 1285) maybe Internet portals to media stored on servers in remote locations. Thecontent may be available on a subscription basis. In other embodiments,a content provider may comprise an Internet store that permits sale ofdigital music and video. And yet other embodiments, the content providermay comprise an Internet community for downloading photos with othermembers of the shared community. Media player 1210, through networkbridge 1215, has access to download digital music, video and photos fromthe content providers (1275, 1280 and 1285).

The network bridge of the present invention has application foruploading media across a network. FIG. 13 illustrates one embodiment foruploading media using the network bridge. For this embodiment, a mediasource device 1305 is coupled to a network bridge (1315). The networkbridge accesses both a home network 1357 and Internet 1390.Specifically, network bridge accesses home network 1357 through wirelessaccess point 1350 and router 1355. The network bridge accesses theInternet 1390 also through wireless access point 1350, router 1355 andbroadband modem 1385. The media source device 1305 may store digitalvideo, audio and/or photos. For example, media source device 1305 may bea portable media player that contains a hard disk drive or flash memoryfor storing files in a permanent medium. The media is uploaded to thenetwork bridge 1315, which in turn, uploads the digital media to adestination location on either home network 1357 or Internet 1390. Forexample, media source device 1305 may upload media for storage oncomputer 1365 or media server 1380. In other embodiments, media sourcedevice 1305 may stream media to the destination location. For example,media source device 1305 may stream audio for playback on stereo 1375,or it may stream digital video for playback on television 1370.

The network bridge of the present invention also has application totransfer data to support protocols other than a mass storage protocol.FIG. 14 illustrates one embodiment for writing data to a destinationdevice using a network bridge. The network bridge has connectivity tohome network 1457 through access point 1450 and router 1455, as well asconnectivity to Internet 1490 through access point 1450, router 1455 andbroadband modem 1485. Source device 1405 writes data or media to networkbridge 1415, which in turn, writes media and data to one or moredestination devices accessible on home network 1457 or Internet 1490.

For this embodiment, network bridge 1415 includes a source deviceinterface 1420, network protocol 1430, IP layer 1435 and wirelessnetwork interface 1440. Source device interface 1420 provides a physicallayer connection to the source device 1405. For example, the physicallayer connection may comprise a universal serial bus (“USB”) connection.The network protocol module 1430 supports the underlying protocol usedto transfer the data. In one embodiment, network protocol module 1430supports the MTP protocol, a Microsoft media player standard. In otherembodiments, the network protocol module 1430 may support the PTPstandard, which permits controlling a camera, implemented in digitalcamera manufacturers. The network protocol module 1430 may support anyprotocol. Using a protocol, source device 1405 may transfer media ordata to any destination device on the home network 1457 or Internet1490.

FIG. 15 illustrates one embodiment for printing using the network bridgeof the present invention. For this embodiment, source device 1505 writesdata to network bridge 1515 in accordance with a format compatible withthe source device interface 1520. In turn, protocol interface 1530emulates a protocol for printing data. For this example, data isreceived over a wireless network to printer 1560. Thus, by emulating theprinting protocol, network bridge 1515 provides connectivity to provideprinting services to the device.

Media Services:

In some embodiment, the network bridge may operate in conjunction withmedia services. FIG. 16 illustrates one embodiment for a network bridgeconfigured to operate with a media service. As shown in FIG. 16, networkbridge 1615 connects to Internet 1690, via wireless access points 1645and 1650, router 1655 and broadband modem 1685. In general, mediaservices 1692 provides access for the network bridge to media contentfrom content providers content provider₁ (1275), content provider₂(1280) and content provider_(n) (1285).

In operation, network bridge 1615 initiates a connection with mediaservices 1692, and uniquely identifies itself. In one embodiment, thenetwork bridge is packaged for sale with a unique number. A purchaser ofthe network bridge uses the unique number to set-up an account with themedia service. The account may specify terms of a user's purchase ofmedia content from one or more content providers. For example, the usermay purchase a subscription to purchase one or more types of media fromone or more content providers. The network bridge may be pre-programmedwith an IP address to access the media service over the Internet. Whenthe network bridge accesses the media service, the media serviceidentifies the account, and provides access to content based on thecontent purchased with the account.

In response, media services 1692 may automatically determine mediaavailable to the network bridge 1615 and a location of the availablemedia (e.g., content provider₁ (1275), content provider₂ (1280) andcontent provider_(n) (1285)). As such, media services 1692 acts as abroker between content providers and users, via the network bridge. Insome embodiments, media services provide a connection between thenetwork bridge 1615 and content provider₁ (1275), content provider₂(1280) and content provider_(n) (1285). For these embodiments, mediaservices 1692 acquires the digital media from the content providers, andtransfers the digital media to the network bridge. Media services 1692may provide customized views of content provided by content providers.For example, media services 1692 may generate content directories topresent the media in a manner suitable for the user. The contentdirectories may be customized by users. For example, a user may specifydirectories to organize the content.

In one embodiment, media services 1692 may store “group information.” Ingeneral, group information identifies media available to the networkbridge. In one embodiment, the group information links a network bridgeto a user. The user may be associated with one or more groups. Forexample, a user may create a ski group to link individuals interested inskiing. The users in a group specify content available to members inthat group. For example, a member of the ski group may specify a contentdirectory—subdirectory that stores all content available to members ofthe ski group (e.g., content related to skiing).

The functionality for the network bridge described herein may beimplemented in either hardware or software. For the softwareimplementation, the network bridge contains software that includes aplurality of computer executable instructions for implementation on ageneral-purpose computer system. Prior to loading into a general-purposecomputer system, the network bridge software may reside as encodedinformation on a computer readable medium, such as a magnetic floppydisk, magnetic tape, and compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM).

Although the present invention has been described in terms of specificexemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated that various modificationsand alterations might be made by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention.

1. A media system comprising: a wide area network; a content provider,coupled to said wide area network, for providing at least one blockmedia item to said wide area network; and a portable network bridge forreceiving, from a host device, at a least one request in accordance witha mass storage protocol, for translating said block global request to amedia request for at least one media item at said content provider, andfor transferring said media request to said content provider.
 2. Themedia system as set forth in claim 1, wherein: said file system requestcomprises a request to transfer media from said content provider to saidportable network bridge; said content provider for receiving said blockrequest and for transferring a media item to said portable networkbridge; and said portable network bridge for transferring said mediaitem to said host device.
 3. The media system as set forth in claim 2,wherein said portable network bridge further for transferring said mediaitem to said host device by presenting said media item in a file systemthrough the block device.
 4. The media system as set forth in claim 1,wherein: said file system request comprises a request to view at least apartial list of media items available from said content provider; andsaid portable network bridge further for generating a content directorythat organizes the list of media available over said network, and forpresenting said content directory to said host device in accordance withsaid mass storage protocol.
 5. The media system as set forth in claim 4,wherein presenting said content directory to said host device comprisespresenting said content directory as directory information in a filesystem.
 6. The media system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said mediaitem comprises video.
 7. The media system as set forth in claim 1,wherein said media item comprises audio.
 8. The media system as setforth in claim 1, wherein said media item comprises a digital photo. 9.The media system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the portable networkbridge is for identifying at least one service provider available onsaid network,
 10. A media system comprising: a wide area network; atleast one content provider, coupled to said wide area network, forproviding at least one media item to said wide area network; a portablenetwork bridge for receiving, from a host device, a block request inaccordance with a mass storage protocol, for translating said blockrequest to a media request for at least one media item, and fortransferring said media request to said wide area network; and a mediaservice, coupled to said wide area network, for receiving said mediarequest and for providing a response to said media request to saidportable network bridge for media items from said content provider. 11.The media system as set forth in claim 10, wherein: said block requestcomprises a request to view at least a partial list of media itemsavailable from said media service; and said portable network bridgefurther for generating a content directory that organizes said mediaavailable from said media service, and for presenting said contentdirectory to said host device in accordance with said mass storageprotocol.
 12. The media system as set forth in claim 11, wherein saidcontent directory comprises a content directory of media available froma plurality of content providers.
 13. The media system as set forth inclaim 11, wherein said content directory comprises a view of a contentdirectory customized by or for a user and comprising media availablefrom one or more content providers.
 14. The media system as set forth inclaim 11, wherein presenting said content directory to said host devicecomprises presenting said content directory as directory information ina file system.
 15. The media system as set forth in claim 10, wherein:said file system request comprises a request to transfer media from saidcontent provider to said portable network bridge; said media service forreceiving said file system request and for establishing a connectionbetween said content provider and said portable network bridge; saidcontent provider for transferring a media item to said portable networkbridge; and said portable network bridge for transferring said mediaitem to said host device.
 16. The media system as set forth in claim 15,wherein said portable network bridge further for transferring said mediaitem to said host device by presenting said media item in a file systemthrough the block device.
 17. The media system as set forth in claim 10,wherein said media service further stores group information, whereinsaid group information identifies at least two portable network bridges.18. The media system as set forth in claim 10, wherein said mediaservice further associates an account with a portable network bridge toprovide at least one media item from at least one content provider. 19.The media system as set forth in claim 10, wherein at least one contentprovider comprises a plurality of content providers.
 20. A method fordownloading media items from at least one content provider, said methodcomprising: receiving at a portable network bridge from a host device afile system request in accordance with a mass storage protocol;translating said file system request to a media request for at least onemedia item; transferring said media request a media service; andgenerating a response to said media request at said media service formedia items available from at least one said content provider.